Da & De Names

Da & De Names
The Da- and De- prefixes are French in origin — they mean "son of" — but have come to represent a now-faded trend in African American naming. Most Da and De names peaked in the 1990s, making them characteristically Millennial names. They were particularly popular among baby boys, and Deandre was the highest ranking of them all.

Along with Deandre, other Da and De names currently in the US Top 1000 include Demetrius, Damari, Dakari, and D'Angelo. At the height of their fashion, in the mid- '90s, Deshawn, Davonte, Demario, and Dequan were common as well.

Our list encompasses names that use Da and De (and D) as a singular syllable. Many of these names are modern interpretations of classic names, and others are combinations of stylish syllables.

Da and De names are no longer as hot as they used to be (they're more likely to be worn by moms and dads!) but you may still find inspiration on this list. Search our collection of Da and De names for babies below.
  1. Demetrius
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "follower of Demeter"
    • Description:

      Classical and Shakespearean name that may appeal if you like your names long, flowing and multicultural.
  2. Deandre
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Meaning:

      "son of Andre"
    • Description:

      A popular choice amongst the African American naming community in the 90s, Deandre has been falling out of style in favor of more contemporary choices.
  3. Deangelo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "from the angel"
    • Description:

      This name obviously has the prefix De- that denotes "son of"—in this form it can mean either "son of Angelo" or "from the angel."
  4. Demitra
    • Description:

      Demitra is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing a variant form of Demeter or Demetra. It derives from the name of the Greek goddess Demeter, who presided over the harvest, fertility, and sacred law. The name literally means 'earth mother' or 'mother goddess,' combining 'ge' (earth) and 'meter' (mother). Demitra carries the powerful associations of nurturing, abundance, and the cycle of seasons inherent in the goddess's mythology. While less common than the variant Demetra or the masculine Dimitri, Demitra offers a distinctive option that maintains clear Greek cultural connections. The name has a rhythmic, melodious quality with its three syllables and conveys both strength and feminine grace.

  5. Damari
    • Origin:

      Variation of Amari
    • Description:

      Damari is thought to be a variation of the popular trans-cultural name Amari with the Da- prefix. Amari means "eternal" in Hebrew and may mean "strength" in Yoruba, though other sources list the African meaning as unknown.
  6. Dakari
    • Origin:

      African
    • Meaning:

      "rejoice"
    • Description:

      This name from the Shona language is a new entrant to the Top 1000 in the US.
  7. Deandra
    • Origin:

      Compound name, blending Diana and Alexandra, variation of Deandre
    • Meaning:

      "divine defender of man; person from the valley"
    • Description:

      An alternative spelling to Diandra or a feminine form Deandre, Deandra is a compound name that briefly featured in the US Top 1000 in the 80s.
  8. Demetra
    • Description:

      Demetra is a feminine name of Greek origin, serving as a variant of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. The name carries significant mythological weight, as Demeter was one of the most revered deities in ancient Greek culture. Demetra has maintained consistent though modest usage, particularly in Greek communities and among families with Greek heritage. The name conveys strength, nurturing qualities, and a connection to the earth. With its classical roots and melodic sound, Demetra appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and feminine grace that isn't overly common. The name often evokes images of abundance, nurturing, and natural beauty.
  9. Delora
    • Origin:

      Variation of Dolores
    • Meaning:

      "sorrows"
    • Description:

      A form of Dolores (or Delores) that was occasionally used in the early 20th century. It could work as an alternative to Lenora, Laura, Delilah, or Della.
  10. Dangelo
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Deangelo
    • Description:

      Even less popular than the rarely-used Deangelo. This spelling is likely helped by singer-songwriter and record producer D'Angelo.
  11. Demari
    • Description:

      Demari is a modern unisex name with multiple possible origins, though it's more commonly used for boys. It may be a variation of Damari, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'palm tree,' symbolizing strength and victory. Alternatively, it could be derived from African origins or represent a creative combination of elements from other names like Demarco or Demario. The name has a musical quality with its balanced syllables and smooth pronunciation. Demari began gaining modest recognition in the United States during the 1990s and has gradually increased in usage since then, though it remains relatively uncommon. The name carries a contemporary feel while avoiding trendy patterns, giving it longevity potential. Parents might be drawn to Demari for its distinctive sound, cross-cultural appeal, and the balance it strikes between uniqueness and accessibility. The name also works well across diverse cultural backgrounds.

  12. Deonte
    • Description:

      Deonte appears to be a modern American name that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. The name likely combines the popular prefix 'De-' (found in many names like Deon, Deandre, and Devon) with elements possibly inspired by names like Dante or Monte. The 'De-' prefix may derive from French or Latin origins meaning 'of' or 'from.' Usage records show Deonte gaining recognition in the United States primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, with continued but declining usage into the 21st century. The name represents the trend of distinctive prefix-modified names and creative combinations that became established in American naming patterns during this period. While not among the most common names, it has maintained consistent usage in various communities across the United States since its emergence.
  13. Damarius
    • Description:

      Damarius appears to be a modern masculine given name that emerged primarily in the late 20th century. The name may be a variation of Demetrius, which has ancient Greek origins meaning 'follower of Demeter' (the goddess of agriculture). Alternatively, it could be a creative combination of the common prefix 'Da-' with 'Marius,' an ancient Roman family name. The spelling variant with the '-ius' ending gives the name a classical feel, reflecting a trend in contemporary naming that draws on historical elements while creating something distinctive. Usage records show Damarius appearing with increased frequency beginning in the 1980s and 1990s. While never among the most common names, it represents the modern trend toward melodic masculine names with multiple syllables and classical-sounding endings.
  14. Demitrio
    • Description:

      Demitrio is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing a variation of Demetrius, derived from Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. This melodic name carries the meaning "follower of Demeter" or "earth-lover." While less common than Demetrius or the Italian Demetrio, this variant has a distinctly Mediterranean flair with its Spanish or Portuguese-influenced spelling. Demitrio offers a softer, more flowing alternative to the traditional form while maintaining its classical roots. The name has never been among the most popular choices in English-speaking countries but maintains steady usage in Latin and Mediterranean communities. With its four syllables and rhythmic quality, Demitrio presents a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with classical heritage and a warm, expressive sound.

  15. Devaughn
    • Description:

      Devaughn is a contemporary name that appears to be a variant spelling of DeVon or Devin, with the distinctive '-vaughn' ending that may be influenced by the surname Vaughn (from Welsh, meaning 'small'). The prefix 'De-' is found in many names of various origins, including French and Latin roots meaning 'of' or 'from.' Devaughn gained modest recognition in the United States particularly from the 1980s onward. The name's popularity peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The spelling variation with 'gh' gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining its phonetic pronunciation. Usage patterns show that Devaughn has been embraced across diverse communities in the United States, particularly from the late 20th century onward.
  16. Deshan
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "of the nation"
    • Description:

      Attractive Indian name unfamiliar to most Western parents.
  17. Dalicia
    • Description:

      Dalicia is a feminine name with a melodious quality that likely developed as a variation of names like Delicia (meaning 'delight' in Latin) or possibly as a blend of the prefix 'Da-' with '-licia' from names like Alicia. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Dalicia has a romantic, flowing sound that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name carries a subtle sweetness through its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. Dalicia might be appreciated for its similarity to Spanish words relating to sweetness or delight, giving it a warm, positive connotation. The name's relative rarity offers the appeal of uniqueness while still having an intuitive pronunciation and spelling that connects to more familiar naming traditions.
  18. Dalora
    • Description:

      Dalora is a feminine name with ambiguous origins, possibly derived from a combination of elements from different naming traditions. It may be related to the Latin word 'dolor' meaning 'sorrow' or 'pain,' though modern usage has disconnected it from these roots. Alternatively, it could be a creative variation of names like Delora or Dolores, or a modern invention combining the popular 'Da-' prefix with 'Lora.' The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and balanced vowel sounds. Dalora remains extremely rare worldwide, making it an uncommon choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a feminine sound. Despite its rarity, the name has an intuitive pronunciation and a romantic, almost musical quality.
  19. Dakira
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Like cousin Shakira, captivating and evocative.
  20. Dashawna
    • Origin:

      American variation of Shawna
    • Description:

      One of many now-downscale names that begin with Da- or De-, a prefix that originally indicated patrimony.